P.A.S.S. Tutoring

Mr. Gionni Carr

 Director of P.A.S.S. Tutoring

jcarr@tnstate.edu

As the Asst. Director of Tutoring, Mr. Carr is pivotal in enhancing student success. He oversees a dedicated team of faculty and staff tutors and an admin team. Together, we provide high-quality support tailored to students' needs. We empower them to take ownership of their academic enhancement, helping them along their journey to graduation! He offers mentorship to students while collaborating with various departments across the university to create a cohesive learning environment. His commitment to education and student development makes him an invaluable asset to the university community. He enjoys producing music, songwriting, and rapping in his spare time.

Ms. Ariel Lewinson

Grants Project Assistant

alewinso@tnstate.edu

Greetings, Tigers! My name is Ariel Lewinson, and I am happy to serve as the Grants Project Assistant for P.A.S.S. Tutoring! I’m a proud TSU alumna, earning my bachelor’s in Business Administration in Summer 2023. I am passionate about the arts, fashion, and creating meaningful social change. My mission is to empower students to become the best versions of themselves, and I can’t wait to be a part of your academic journey to success!

Dr. Daniel Agyemang

My name is Dr. Daniel Agyemang.I originally hail from Ghana but now a naturalized American citizen. I hold a BSC degree in Civil Engineering from Russia, M.E (master’s in environmental engineering) from TSU, MSC master’s in mathematics) from TSU and EDS and EDD from Carson Newman University. I am blue ribbon teacher from MNPS and NBCT (National Board-Certified Teacher). I currently teach math full time at MLK in Nashville. I am married and have 3 adult children. My hobbies are reading and singing, and my passion is preaching the word of God. Currently I work as a part instructor at TSU as a tutor in College Algebra, Precalculus I, Precalculus II, and Calculus I. I am very passionate about teaching students to make them successful. 

Dr. Bashiyar Almarwani

Ms. Ogechi Anyatonwu

Mr. Mohammad Arbabshirani

Dr. Ryan Beni

Dr. William Boadi

Dr. Kala Bonner

Hello Everyone, I am very excited about tutoring this semester, specifically in the subject of biology. Some of my hobbies include ballet, thrifting, and record collecting. I am very passionate about education and look forward to helping you succeed. Go Tigers

Mr. Gregory Brand

Greetings, Fellow TSU Tigers!!!

I am excited to assist you with your tutoring needs! My areas of expertise include Freshman Composition, African American Literature, American Literature, World Literature, Speech, Journalism and Communications. I have nearly 20 years professional experience as an editor, writer and digital content production. I am a full-time educator, currently working as an Academic Dean of English at a local high school. I'm a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Brothers for Love Achievement Culture and Knowledge, Inc. (B.L.A.C.K.)! I am also a movie and pop-culture aficionado! Looking forward to helping you achieve your academic goals this semester!

Dr. Shameka Cathey

Hello TSU Tigers!

I am excited to be a part of the P.A.S.S. Tutoring Program and Site Leader for Hankel Hall. I am dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals and reach their fullest potential. With a passion for education and empowerment, my areas of expertise include American Government, Black Politics, Women, Gender, and Sexuality, and Social Justice. I strive to make complex topics engaging while fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Outside of academia, I enjoy watching documentaries, traveling to explore new cultures, histories, and landscapes, diving into all things’ wellness-related, and building beloved communities. I look forward to supporting you on your academic journey!

Dr. Eckton Chinyanga

Greetings TSU Tigers! I am excited to assist you with your tutoring needs! My areas of expertise include accounting courses such as: Principles of Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Intermediate Accounting 1 and Intermediate Accounting 2, Physics, and Public Health. In my spare time, I enjoy writing, watching movies, listening to music and watching /playing soccer. I'm a proud member of Beta Alpha Psi and National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Looking forward to helping you achieve your academic goals this semester!

Ms. Ogheneruona “Ruona” Eruvwetere

Hi all!

My name is Ruona, and my areas of expertise are MCAT Biology, MCAT CARS, and MCAT Psychology. I’m here to help you dominate the MCAT and get one step closer to your professional school goals! When I’m not studying or teaching, you can find me on a basketball court or lost in a good book. I love the Houston Rockets and will argue with anyone down about it! Excited to meet you all—let’s make those med school dreams a reality!

Mr. Gregory Greer

Greetings, TSU Tigers! I’m thrilled to be here to support you on your academic journey. My expertise spans Public Health, Health Education, and Sociology, and I’m passionate about helping students achieve their goals. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, exploring the art of voiceover, and traveling whenever I can. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, I’m a proud graduate of Howard University and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

I look forward to not only assisting with your studies but also offering guidance on career planning and other opportunities to help you thrive!

Ms. Brionne Henderson

Happy New Year, Spring 2025 Tigers! You can label me as one of your math and engineering points of contact this semester; I tutor general chemistry I and II, physics I and II, selective engineering courses (related to AE studies), and math courses up to Calculus III and Differential Equations. I'm a 2019 TSU Architectural Engineering alumni grad, and I've been tutoring for the university since 2017. If you like cooking, reading, binge watching shows/movies, or anything art related, share your interest with me when we meet. We work better together when you're comfortable; so, don't be afraid to show your real personality when you reach out. If I'm not available during regular working hours, I have a few other avenues for you to still get the help you need. I'm excited about this next semester with you all!!

Dr. Michael Ivy

Dr. Michael T. Ivy is a full professor in the Department of Biological Sciences of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Sciences. He received his B.A. degree in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1978 and his Ph.D. degree in Physiology from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1986. Dr. Ivy received extensive expertise in pharmacology research through completion of two post-doctoral appointments: Texas Tech University, Lubbock and Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. His areas of competency are in the fields of neurochemistry, neuroscience, and neurophysiology.

Dr. Kang Du

Professor. Kang Du is a dedicated educator and researcher in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Tennessee State University. With extensive experience in civil engineering, construction management, and transportation engineering, he is passionate about mentoring students and helping them excel in their academic pursuits.

As a tutor for the P.A.S.S. Tutoring program, Professor Du provides support in Math, Physics, Statics, Mechanics of Materials, Computer Engineering Graphics, Probability, and Statistics. His goal is to equip students with a strong foundation in these critical subjects, fostering their analytical and problem-solving skills for success in engineering and related fields.

Mr. Vahid Khairollahi

Welcome, TSU scholars! Together, we embrace constructive feedback to empower your learning and master math. We will set clear goals, reflect on your progress, and celebrate every success along the way.

Dr. Lijan Ma

Greetings TSU Tigers! I’m excited to support you in reaching your academic goals! My areas of expertise include Architectural Design and Precalculus. Outside of tutoring, I have a passion for photography, exploring new architectural styles, and traveling to discover unique buildings. I’m also crazy on skiing (Life is like skiing!) and enjoy experimenting with different coffee blends. Let’s work together to make this semester a success! #GoTigers

Ms. Kiah Mayo

Greetings TSU Tigers! I am excited to assist you with your tutoring needs! My areas of expertise include biology and anatomy, MCAT preparation and related sciences, algebra/pre-calc, African/African American Studies, writing skills, introductory level Spanish and public health. I am an all-around nerd. In my spare time I watch anime, read fantasy novels, play video games, and do some crafting and creative writing. I recently started working out because I’m a big foodie. #fitnessjourney

Looking forward to helping you achieve your academic goals this semester.

Dr. Kelle Neal-Fatnassi

Hello all and welcome to Spring semester 2025! My name is Dr. Kelle Neal-Fatnassi and I service writing in Freshman Composition I & II, and the Sophomore Lit courses American Literature, Black Arts and Literature, and English Literature. I am very passionate about reading, especially nonfiction and memoirs. I also love action films, doughnuts, and matcha. I look forward to working with you to reach your writing goals and expand your writing skills in your Composition and Literature courses and beyond. Let's have a great semester!

Mrs. Linda Quinones

Hello there! I’m here to help you tackle your academic challenges and make learning fun along the way. I specialize in Chemistry, and I love breaking down tough topics into something you can really get. I’m a proud Puerto Rican mom of four who values family time and cherishes being out in nature—there’s nothing better than a good hike or just soaking up the sun! Let’s work together to make this semester a success!

Dr. Jelonia Rumph

Greetings TSU Tigers! I am excited to assist you with your tutoring and professional development needs! My areas of expertise include Biology, Health Communication, Writing, Statistics, and Public Health. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, exploring new cities and trying new restaurants. I'm a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.! Need to talk about school-life balance? I’m your girl!  I want to discuss prioritizing your mental health/selfcare while adjusting to the demands of school? Or your next steps as a student/professional?  Well, join my session (or email me) and I am here to help you come up with a plan! I am looking forward to helping you achieve your academic, professional and personal goals this semester!

Mr. Mohsen Shirani

Greetings. Happy New Year and welcome to Spring 2025. It is my pleasure to serve TSU students for the past 35 years, teaching mathematics. My area of expertise is mathematics, specifically Pre-Cal I, Pre-Cal II, and Statistics. I am a huge fan of soccer (English Premier) and football (Both college and NFL).

Dr. Karen Sloan- Brown

Greetings to future fellow TSU alums! My areas of expertise are Basic and General Chemistry and labs. I love reading and writing is my passion, so I can assist with any class that requires both, including English, Sociology, or Political Science. I’m from Philadelphia, and a 2nd generation TSU grad. My daughters are 3rd generation grads and proud AOB alumni. I look forward to contributing to your success as you achieve your academic goals this semester.

Dr. Xiaofei Wang

Greetings! It is my real pleasure to assist you with your tutoring needs. My specific area of expertise is biology (including general biology, introductory biology, cell biology, genetics, etc.). I will also be pleased to assist you in algebra, precalculus, and college physics. In my spare time, I enjoy photography and gardening. I am looking forward to helping you realize your academic goals!

Ms. Leiana- Lavette Woodard

Howdy, Big Blue Country! Come learn with me in New Residence Hall or on Zoom. My areas of expertise are Chemistry and Mathematics. As a Fiskite, I am your friendly HBCU neighbor and Nashville native. When I am not working, I love crafting, cooking, and getting active, either by dancing, walking, or running. Interested in Legos? Ask me about my small, but growing collection! I can’t wait to help improve your confidence and academic knowledge at TSU. Go Big Blue!!